BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Tasty and Easy Recipe

To make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini, you'll need some simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - 4 medium zucchinis - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup corn kernels - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, diced - 1 cup shredded cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnishing Each ingredient plays a key role. The zucchinis act as the perfect boats for the filling. The cooked chicken provides protein and pairs well with BBQ sauce. Corn adds sweetness, while the bell pepper and onion give crunch and flavor. The cheese on top melts beautifully, creating a creamy finish. Garlic powder and smoked paprika boost the taste, while salt and pepper round it all out. Finally, fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness. Gather all these ingredients before you start. It makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheating the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Preparing the Zucchini Boats: Take four medium zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center flesh. This creates little boats to hold your filling. Set the scooped-out flesh aside for later use. - Mixing the BBQ Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded chicken with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Add 1 cup of corn, 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, and the zucchini flesh you set aside. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. - Assembling the Stuffed Zucchini: Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each boat. Pack it in slightly to make sure it holds. - Baking Process: Top each stuffed zucchini with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble, and the zucchini should become tender. - Garnishing and Serving Suggestions: Once out of the oven, let the stuffed zucchinis cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor. How to Avoid Overcooking Zucchini Overcooked zucchini becomes mushy. To avoid this, cook it just until tender. When you bake the stuffed zucchini, check often. The zucchini should still hold its shape. You can also try parboiling them for a few minutes. This helps soften the zucchini before baking. Choosing the Right Cheese for Topping Cheese can make or break your dish. I love using cheddar or mozzarella. Cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor. Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess. You can mix both for a tasty topping. Just sprinkle a generous layer over the stuffed boats before baking. Additional Spices and Seasonings Want to kick up the flavor? Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also stir in some cumin for a warm taste. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add freshness. Mix them into your BBQ chicken filling for extra zing. Recommended BBQ Sauce Varieties Your choice of BBQ sauce matters. A smoky sauce adds depth. Try a sweet barbecue sauce for a nice balance. For a spicy kick, go for a hot sauce blend. Each option will give your dish a unique taste. So, choose one that you love! Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for zucchinis that are firm and vibrant in color. Smaller zucchinis are usually sweeter and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for stuffing. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, jalapeños, or different vegetables based on your preference to make the dish more flavorful. Optimal Cheese Choice: Using a mix of cheeses can enhance the flavor. Combine cheddar with mozzarella for a delicious gooey topping that melts beautifully. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the zucchinis towards the end of baking. Overcooking can lead to mushy zucchini, so aim for a tender but still firm texture. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini. Try using ground turkey instead of chicken. It gives a nice flavor and keeps it light. For a plant-based option, use tofu. Just crumble it and mix it with your BBQ sauce. It will soak up all the tasty flavors. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether. Use black beans or lentils for protein. They add a great texture. You can also add mushrooms for extra flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the other veggies. Pair these stuffed zucchinis with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light dressing works well. You can also serve them with crusty bread for a hearty meal. If you want to use them as appetizers, cut the zucchinis into smaller pieces. They make great finger food for gatherings. Serve them with a dipping sauce on the side. You can also serve them as a main dish. They are filling and packed with flavor. Top them with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy your BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini any way you like! To store your BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers if stacking. This keeps them fresh. The shelf life of leftovers is about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they look or smell off, it's best to toss them. For reheating, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place one or two zucchini halves on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them. If you want to freeze your stuffed zucchini, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. No, using raw chicken is not safe here. Cooked chicken keeps the dish safe to eat. Raw chicken needs longer cooking time. This may leave zucchinis too soft. Always use cooked chicken for best results. You can use gluten-free BBQ sauce. Make sure the sauce has no wheat or gluten. Check labels for hidden gluten. Most other ingredients are already gluten-free. This makes it easy to adapt. You can use diced mushrooms, spinach, or squash. Carrots or celery also add great flavor. Feel free to mix and match your favorites. Just chop them small so they cook well. Zucchinis are done when they are tender. You can test this with a fork. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the zucchini feels soft but not mushy, it's ready to eat. Stuffed zucchini boats offer a tasty and healthy meal option. We covered ingredients, steps, and variations to make this dish your own. Don’t hesitate to try different proteins or spices for unique flavor. Store leftovers correctly for fresh meals later. These boats can impress at dinner or serve as tasty appetizers. With a bit of prep, you’ll enjoy a fun-filled cooking experience. Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen creativity shine!

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Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? Try my BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini! This dish combines juicy chicken, sweet corn, and zesty BBQ sauce, all stuffed in fresh zucchini boats. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family meal. Join me as I walk you through each step to create this delicious dish that everyone will love! Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthy Option: Stuffed zucchini boats are a nutritious alternative to traditional stuffed dishes, packed with veggies and lean protein.
  2. Flavorful Filling: The combination of BBQ sauce, chicken, and spices creates a deliciously savory filling that everyone will love.
  3. Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and takes only about 50 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  4. Customizable: You can easily modify the filling ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it versatile.

Ingredients

To make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Here’s the list:

– 4 medium zucchinis

– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded

– 1 cup BBQ sauce

– 1 cup corn kernels

– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

– 1/2 cup red onion, diced

– 1 cup shredded cheese

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnishing

Each ingredient plays a key role. The zucchinis act as the perfect boats for the filling. The cooked chicken provides protein and pairs well with BBQ sauce. Corn adds sweetness, while the bell pepper and onion give crunch and flavor. The cheese on top melts beautifully, creating a creamy finish. Garlic powder and smoked paprika boost the taste, while salt and pepper round it all out. Finally, fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness.

Gather all these ingredients before you start. It makes cooking easier and more fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheating the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking.

Preparing the Zucchini Boats: Take four medium zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center flesh. This creates little boats to hold your filling. Set the scooped-out flesh aside for later use.

Mixing the BBQ Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded chicken with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Add 1 cup of corn, 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, and the zucchini flesh you set aside. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Baking Instructions

Assembling the Stuffed Zucchini: Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each boat. Pack it in slightly to make sure it holds.

Baking Process: Top each stuffed zucchini with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble, and the zucchini should become tender.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions: Once out of the oven, let the stuffed zucchinis cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

How to Avoid Overcooking Zucchini

Overcooked zucchini becomes mushy. To avoid this, cook it just until tender. When you bake the stuffed zucchini, check often. The zucchini should still hold its shape. You can also try parboiling them for a few minutes. This helps soften the zucchini before baking.

Choosing the Right Cheese for Topping

Cheese can make or break your dish. I love using cheddar or mozzarella. Cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor. Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess. You can mix both for a tasty topping. Just sprinkle a generous layer over the stuffed boats before baking.

Flavor Enhancements

Additional Spices and Seasonings

Want to kick up the flavor? Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also stir in some cumin for a warm taste. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add freshness. Mix them into your BBQ chicken filling for extra zing.

Recommended BBQ Sauce Varieties

Your choice of BBQ sauce matters. A smoky sauce adds depth. Try a sweet barbecue sauce for a nice balance. For a spicy kick, go for a hot sauce blend. Each option will give your dish a unique taste. So, choose one that you love!

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for zucchinis that are firm and vibrant in color. Smaller zucchinis are usually sweeter and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for stuffing.
  2. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, jalapeños, or different vegetables based on your preference to make the dish more flavorful.
  3. Optimal Cheese Choice: Using a mix of cheeses can enhance the flavor. Combine cheddar with mozzarella for a delicious gooey topping that melts beautifully.
  4. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the zucchinis towards the end of baking. Overcooking can lead to mushy zucchini, so aim for a tender but still firm texture.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can change the protein in BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini. Try using ground turkey instead of chicken. It gives a nice flavor and keeps it light. For a plant-based option, use tofu. Just crumble it and mix it with your BBQ sauce. It will soak up all the tasty flavors.

If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether. Use black beans or lentils for protein. They add a great texture. You can also add mushrooms for extra flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the other veggies.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these stuffed zucchinis with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light dressing works well. You can also serve them with crusty bread for a hearty meal.

If you want to use them as appetizers, cut the zucchinis into smaller pieces. They make great finger food for gatherings. Serve them with a dipping sauce on the side.

You can also serve them as a main dish. They are filling and packed with flavor. Top them with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy your BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini any way you like!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

To store your BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers if stacking. This keeps them fresh.

The shelf life of leftovers is about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they look or smell off, it’s best to toss them.

Reheating Instructions

For reheating, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.

You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place one or two zucchini halves on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them.

If you want to freeze your stuffed zucchini, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

No, using raw chicken is not safe here. Cooked chicken keeps the dish safe to eat. Raw chicken needs longer cooking time. This may leave zucchinis too soft. Always use cooked chicken for best results.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free BBQ sauce. Make sure the sauce has no wheat or gluten. Check labels for hidden gluten. Most other ingredients are already gluten-free. This makes it easy to adapt.

What other vegetables can I use for stuffing?

You can use diced mushrooms, spinach, or squash. Carrots or celery also add great flavor. Feel free to mix and match your favorites. Just chop them small so they cook well.

How do I know when zucchinis are done baking?

Zucchinis are done when they are tender. You can test this with a fork. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the zucchini feels soft but not mushy, it’s ready to eat.

Stuffed zucchini boats offer a tasty and healthy meal option. We covered ingredients, steps, and variations to make this dish your own. Don’t hesitate to try different proteins or spices for unique flavor. Store leftovers correctly for fresh meals later. These boats can impress at dinner or serve as tasty appetizers. With a bit of prep, you’ll enjoy a fun-filled cooking experience. Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen creativity shin

To make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini, you'll need some simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - 4 medium zucchinis - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup corn kernels - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, diced - 1 cup shredded cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnishing Each ingredient plays a key role. The zucchinis act as the perfect boats for the filling. The cooked chicken provides protein and pairs well with BBQ sauce. Corn adds sweetness, while the bell pepper and onion give crunch and flavor. The cheese on top melts beautifully, creating a creamy finish. Garlic powder and smoked paprika boost the taste, while salt and pepper round it all out. Finally, fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness. Gather all these ingredients before you start. It makes cooking easier and more fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheating the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Preparing the Zucchini Boats: Take four medium zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center flesh. This creates little boats to hold your filling. Set the scooped-out flesh aside for later use. - Mixing the BBQ Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded chicken with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Add 1 cup of corn, 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, and the zucchini flesh you set aside. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. - Assembling the Stuffed Zucchini: Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each boat. Pack it in slightly to make sure it holds. - Baking Process: Top each stuffed zucchini with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble, and the zucchini should become tender. - Garnishing and Serving Suggestions: Once out of the oven, let the stuffed zucchinis cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor. How to Avoid Overcooking Zucchini Overcooked zucchini becomes mushy. To avoid this, cook it just until tender. When you bake the stuffed zucchini, check often. The zucchini should still hold its shape. You can also try parboiling them for a few minutes. This helps soften the zucchini before baking. Choosing the Right Cheese for Topping Cheese can make or break your dish. I love using cheddar or mozzarella. Cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor. Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess. You can mix both for a tasty topping. Just sprinkle a generous layer over the stuffed boats before baking. Additional Spices and Seasonings Want to kick up the flavor? Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also stir in some cumin for a warm taste. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add freshness. Mix them into your BBQ chicken filling for extra zing. Recommended BBQ Sauce Varieties Your choice of BBQ sauce matters. A smoky sauce adds depth. Try a sweet barbecue sauce for a nice balance. For a spicy kick, go for a hot sauce blend. Each option will give your dish a unique taste. So, choose one that you love! Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for zucchinis that are firm and vibrant in color. Smaller zucchinis are usually sweeter and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for stuffing. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, jalapeños, or different vegetables based on your preference to make the dish more flavorful. Optimal Cheese Choice: Using a mix of cheeses can enhance the flavor. Combine cheddar with mozzarella for a delicious gooey topping that melts beautifully. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the zucchinis towards the end of baking. Overcooking can lead to mushy zucchini, so aim for a tender but still firm texture. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini. Try using ground turkey instead of chicken. It gives a nice flavor and keeps it light. For a plant-based option, use tofu. Just crumble it and mix it with your BBQ sauce. It will soak up all the tasty flavors. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether. Use black beans or lentils for protein. They add a great texture. You can also add mushrooms for extra flavor. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the other veggies. Pair these stuffed zucchinis with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light dressing works well. You can also serve them with crusty bread for a hearty meal. If you want to use them as appetizers, cut the zucchinis into smaller pieces. They make great finger food for gatherings. Serve them with a dipping sauce on the side. You can also serve them as a main dish. They are filling and packed with flavor. Top them with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy your BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini any way you like! To store your BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers if stacking. This keeps them fresh. The shelf life of leftovers is about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they look or smell off, it's best to toss them. For reheating, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place one or two zucchini halves on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them. If you want to freeze your stuffed zucchini, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. No, using raw chicken is not safe here. Cooked chicken keeps the dish safe to eat. Raw chicken needs longer cooking time. This may leave zucchinis too soft. Always use cooked chicken for best results. You can use gluten-free BBQ sauce. Make sure the sauce has no wheat or gluten. Check labels for hidden gluten. Most other ingredients are already gluten-free. This makes it easy to adapt. You can use diced mushrooms, spinach, or squash. Carrots or celery also add great flavor. Feel free to mix and match your favorites. Just chop them small so they cook well. Zucchinis are done when they are tender. You can test this with a fork. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. If the zucchini feels soft but not mushy, it's ready to eat. Stuffed zucchini boats offer a tasty and healthy meal option. We covered ingredients, steps, and variations to make this dish your own. Don’t hesitate to try different proteins or spices for unique flavor. Store leftovers correctly for fresh meals later. These boats can impress at dinner or serve as tasty appetizers. With a bit of prep, you’ll enjoy a fun-filled cooking experience. Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen creativity shine!

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini

Delicious zucchinis filled with a savory BBQ chicken mixture, topped with melted cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 2 red onion, diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnishing fresh cilantro or green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center using a spoon, creating zucchini boats. Set aside the scooped-out flesh.
  • In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and the scooped-out zucchini flesh. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish and spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each boat, packing it slightly.
  • Top each stuffed zucchini boat with shredded cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the toppings or add more vegetables to the filling.
Keyword BBQ chicken, healthy, stuffed vegetables, zucchini

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